Future Foresters in Action: Students Take On Invasive Species

By Ashlin Gean

At Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, we believe in the power of education, engagement, and stewardship. Through the Student Stewards Program (SSP), we connect young learners to their environment in meaningful ways, fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural world. SSP has a significant focus on increasing access to nature for students from Title 1 schools, schools where the majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Many of these students face socioeconomic barriers to outdoor experiences, including lack of time, money, and transportation. For many, this program provides their first-ever visit to a wilderness area. By creating opportunities for these students to experience the outdoors, we not only foster a love for nature but also introduce them to career possibilities in environmental science and conservation.

Two years ago, the Parks Foundation received generous support from the National Forest Foundation (NFF) that led to the development of a new SSP curriculum in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service - a Forestry Module. The partnership, which spanned two years, allowed Washoe County School District students to participate in forestry and natural resource management practices in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, helping them become active participants in real-world conservation efforts.

The mission of this partnership is simple yet profound: to inspire students to better care for and protect their natural resources while conducting vegetation surveys and stewardship projects that support the Forest Service’s workload capacity and data collection needs. Through this program, students gained firsthand experience in environmental science, connecting classroom learning with real-world applications.

The Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which spans over 400,000 acres, presents both opportunities and challenges in forest management. Invasive plant species like cheatgrass and medusahead threaten native ecosystems, increasing wildfire risks and soil erosion. Proper vegetation management is crucial to maintaining a healthy forest, yet the sheer scale of the land makes it difficult for the Forest Service to monitor and address these issues alone.

This is where NFF’s support becomes vital. With the support of the NFF grant, the Student Stewards Program engaged nearly 300 youth in field-based forestry science.  Parks Foundation educators coordinated with Forest Service rangers to conduct field trips, during which students:

• Removed an average of 80 pounds of invasive vegetation per trip, primarily focusing on medusahead and cheatgrass.

• Learned to identify native and non-native plant species, gaining hands-on experience in field ecology.

• Practiced forestry techniques, including measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH) to assess forest health.

These efforts not only supported Forest Service data collection but also allowed students to see the direct impact of their actions in preserving public lands.

Thanks to the NFF, the SSP Forestry Module is making a tangible difference, both in forest conservation and in the lives of young students. By providing hands-on learning opportunities in public lands, we are not only helping the Forest Service manage natural resources but also inspiring the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and environmental stewards.

Our goal is to continue growing this initiative, reaching more students, collecting more valuable environmental data, and fostering an even stronger connection between young learners and the natural world. As we move forward, we remain committed to breaking down barriers to outdoor access, fostering scientific curiosity, and ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to connect with and protect their natural world.

Thank you to the National Forest Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and our dedicated educators for making this work possible. Together, we are shaping a future where students and nature thrive side by side. If you are interested in learning more about this module or are hoping to schedule a home school or class program with us, please contact Isabella Buffalini at isabella@tmparksfoundation.org.

---

About the Author

Ashlin Gean

Environmental Grants Coordinator

Ashlin is from Florence, Alabama where she received a B.S. in Sustainability from the University of North Alabama. Since graduating she has worked on various conservation initiatives involving outdoor education, regenerative farming, waste management and solar energy. In her free time she enjoys practicing the ukulele, trying new recipes and taking long walks in Reno's many beautiful parks. Ashlin is excited for this opportunity to broaden her experience in grant writing and to contribute to the stewardship of the Truckee Meadows community.